TUBA4A
Description
The TUBA4A (tubulin alpha 4a) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
Tubulin alpha-4A chain is a protein encoded by the TUBA4A gene in humans. It is a key component of microtubules, essential structures within eukaryotic cells that perform diverse roles. Microtubules are composed of alpha and beta tubulin, which are encoded by genes within the tubulin superfamily. This gene family includes six distinct families, with alpha, beta, and gamma tubulin families present in all eukaryotes. Alpha and beta tubulins are the primary constituents of microtubules, while gamma tubulin plays a crucial role in initiating microtubule assembly. The TUBA4A gene encodes an alpha tubulin that is highly similar to a testis-specific alpha tubulin found in rats. TUBA4A has been shown to interact with NCOA6 and APC.
Tubulin is the primary component of microtubules, which are cylindrical structures made up of linear protofilaments arranged side-by-side. Each protofilament is formed by a chain of alpha- and beta-tubulin heterodimers. Microtubules grow by the addition of GTP-bound tubulin dimers to their ends, creating a stabilizing cap. Beneath this cap, tubulin dimers are bound to GDP due to the GTPase activity of alpha-tubulin.
TUBA4A is also known as ALS22, H2-ALPHA, TUBA1.
